Electrical wiring device with tool-less installation and removal structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical wiring device having a quick installation lever that allows for quick and safe installation of wire in the device. The quick installation includes a lever that mates with a wire retainer. When the lever is rotated from an initial closed position to an open position, the wire retainer is compressed to release / accept wire therein. The use of the lever and wire retainer allows for the replacement of electrical wiring devices in wall boxes or other locations within a building in an efficient and safe manner without the need for tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical wiring devices, and particularly to electrical wiring devices constructed and configured to allow users to quickly install and / or remove and replace electrical wiring devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in conventional electrical wiring installations, the wires are inserted into the terminals of the electrical wiring installation and held in place by screws before the installation is put into the wall box.

[0003] Disclaimer Regarding Related Technical Descriptions: With regard to the specific patents / publications / products discussed above in the Background section of this application or elsewhere, such discussions should not be construed as an admission that the patents / publications / products discussed are prior art in the sense of patent law. For example, some or all of the patents / publications / products discussed may not constitute prior art in the sense of patent law because they may not be early enough in time, may not reflect the subject matter of developments that were developed early enough in time, and / or may not be feasible enough. With regard to the specific patents / publications / products discussed above in the Background section and / or throughout the application, their descriptions / disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors of this disclosure recognize that conventional electrical wiring devices and their associated methods / processes for installing and removing them from wall boxes or other locations within a building have problems and limitations. For example, replacing conventional electrical wiring devices requires a certain level of skill, consideration and adherence to important safety protocols, and time to perform the task. The user must remove the electrical wiring device from the wall box and loosen or remove the screws securing the wires in place within the device. Numerous safety precautions exist when handling the wires, screws, and related tools during this process.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved electrical wiring device that is constructed and configured to allow users to quickly and safely install and / or remove and replace electrical wiring devices.

[0006] Therefore, the main object and advantage of this disclosure is to provide an electrical wiring device that eliminates one or more problems / difficulties associated with conventional devices and meets the needs stated above. A specific non-limiting objective of utilizing the embodiments and implementations herein is to provide an electrical wiring device constructed and configured to allow a user to quickly and safely install and / or remove and replace (and / or connect and disconnect from the live / neutral, power, and load wires) the electrical wiring device. Such “quick installation” for electrical wiring devices will allow for rapid and safe replacement with fewer technical requirements.

[0007] The embodiments of the electrical wiring apparatus described and illustrated herein can be dynamic and have components constructed and configured to move between an open, wire unlocking and removal / receiving position / configuration; and a closed, wire receiving / removing and locking position / configuration; and have components that move relative to other components.

[0008] The various examples described in this disclosure can be combined in any possible technical manner, as should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an electrical wiring device is provided, comprising a housing having an internal compartment and at least one face. At least one lever movable between a closed position and an open position and configuration may be disposed on the external face of the internal compartment of the housing (but may be wholly or partially located inside the internal compartment). The lever may be hingedly connected to the housing to allow rotation from the closed position and configuration to the open position and configuration. The electrical wiring device may have a wire retainer located inside the internal compartment (but may be wholly or partially located inside the internal compartment) in an initial intermediate position.

[0010] In one example, the lever can be configured to rotate on the hinge from the closed position and configuration to the open position and configuration.

[0011] In one example, the wire retainer can be actuated from the initial intermediate position / configuration to the compressed position / configuration when the lever is rotated to the open position / configuration.

[0012] In one example, the cable retainer can be configured to hold the cable in place in the middle position / configuration.

[0013] In one example, the wire retainer can be sized and shaped to allow the wire to pass through an opening in the wire retainer when in a compressed position / configuration.

[0014] In one example, the lever could be a ground lever.

[0015] In one example, the lever could be a neutral lever.

[0016] In one example, a lever may include a hinge and a protrusion.

[0017] In one example, the protrusion can be sized and shaped to engage the wire retainer.

[0018] In one example, the wire retainer can be a continuously bent member. The bent member can have an opening at one end and a protrusion at the opposite end. The protrusion can be sized and shaped to fit within the opening.

[0019] In one example, the open end of the wire retainer can be configured to translate through the opposite end, which has a protrusion.

[0020] In one example, the wire retainer could be made of high yield strength spring steel.

[0021] As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure, electrical wiring devices as used herein may refer to, for example, GFCI, AFCI, switches, receivers and non-receiver (e.g., pins and tubes) products.

[0022] Components / parts of the device according to one embodiment may be integrally formed as a molded part or a monolithic piece, or may have parts / parts that are sealed, snap-fitted, threaded, riveted, hinged, or otherwise connected during the manufacturing process. Components / parts of the device according to one embodiment may be made of plastic / polymer and / or metal, as should be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with this disclosure. Components / parts may have rectangular, circular, or other shaped cross-sections, as should be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0024] Figure 2 A rear perspective view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0025] Figure 3A A side view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0026] Figure 3B A side view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0027] Figure 4A A side perspective view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0028] Figure 4B A side perspective view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0029] Figure 5 A cross-sectional front view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted (with the front portion of the housing removed).

[0030] Figure 6 A cross-sectional rear view of an exemplary electrical wiring device according to one embodiment is depicted (with the rear portion of the housing removed).

[0031] Figure 7A A close-up cross-sectional view of a lever and wire retainer according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0032] Figure 7B This is a close-up cross-sectional view of a lever and wire retainer according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7C This is a close-up cross-sectional view of a lever and wire retainer according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7D This is a close-up cross-sectional view of a lever and wire retainer according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a lever and wire retainer according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0036] Figure 9 An exemplary wire retainer according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0037] Figure 10A A view of an exemplary lever according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0038] Figure 10B A view of an exemplary lever according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0039] Figure 11A A view of an exemplary grounding lever according to one embodiment is depicted; and

[0040] Figure 11B A view of an exemplary grounding lever according to one embodiment is depicted.

[0041] Figure 12A A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0042] Figure 12B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0043] Figure 12C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0044] Figure 13A A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0045] Figure 13B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0046] Figure 13C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0047] Figure 14A A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0048] Figure 14B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0049] Figure 14C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0050] Figure 14D A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0051] Figure 15A A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0052] Figure 15B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0053] Figure 15C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0054] Figure 15D A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0055] Figure 16A A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0056] Figure 16B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0057] Figure 16C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0058] Figure 16D A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0059] Figure 17A A perspective view depicting an exemplary lever on an electrical wiring device according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0060] Figure 17B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0061] Figure 17C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0062] Figure 17D A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0063] Figure 18AA perspective view depicting an exemplary lever on an electrical wiring device according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0064] Figure 18B A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0065] Figure 18C A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0066] Figure 18D A close-up view of an exemplary lever according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0067] Figure 19A A perspective view depicting an exemplary neutral lever on an electrical wiring device according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0068] Figure 19B The alternative embodiments are described. Figure 19A An exploded perspective view of an exemplary neutral lever and electrical wiring assembly is shown.

[0069] Figure 19C The alternative embodiments are described. Figure 19A and Figure 19B A close-up view of an exemplary neutral lever is shown in the image.

[0070] Figure 20A A perspective view of a wire retainer according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0071] Figure 20B The alternative embodiments are described. Figure 20A The bottom view of the wire retainer is shown in the image.

[0072] Figure 21A A perspective view of a wire retainer according to an alternative embodiment is depicted.

[0073] Figure 21B The alternative embodiments are described. Figure 21A The bottom view of the wire retainer is shown in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The aspects of this embodiment, along with certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the details of the embodiments. It should be understood that, while the detailed descriptions and specific non-limiting examples indicate aspects of the embodiments, they are given by way of example only and not as limitations. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic inventive concept will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0075] While embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, which are supported by the written description and the drawings. Furthermore, given that exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a number of elements, it will be understood that exemplary embodiments may be implemented using fewer or more elements. If an element shown in a particular drawing discussed below is not specifically identified with respect to that drawing, then such element should be adequately identified with respect to at least one other drawing.

[0076] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The discussion or description of a particular element or structural configuration does not imply that such a particular element or structural configuration is required.

[0077] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 An exemplary electrical wiring device 100 with quick-install levers 150, 160 is depicted, which provide for rapid installation and replacement of the electrical wiring device 100. The electrical wiring device 100 may also include one or more conventional features to allow for retrofitting of existing equipment (as should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure). For example, the electrical wiring device 100 may include one or more power receivers 130, covers 110, and grounding strips 190 for mounting.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical wiring device 100 may have two neutral levers and two live wire levers 150, as well as a grounding lever 160 (see Figure 5 Although any suitable combination of neutral / live wire lever 150 and ground lever 160 can be used. Levers 150 and 160 may be located on housing 180, separate from power receiver 130, cover 110 and strap 190, although in some embodiments, the electrical wiring arrangement may be manufactured as a single piece or any suitable combination of parts. In this exemplary embodiment, the levers are positioned on the side of the housing.

[0079] The cable 140 (power / load wire, live / neutral wire) can be inserted into the rear of the housing 180 and held in place in the electrical wiring arrangement by the cable retainer 170 actuated by levers 150 and 160 (as...). Figure 5 (As shown in the image).

[0080] Figure 2A rear perspective view of an exemplary electrical wiring device 100 is shown. As shown, the rear portion of the housing 180 may have a plurality of wire ports 200 capable of receiving wires 140. Each wire port 200 corresponds to levers 150, 160, as suitably shown. For mounting wires 140, levers 150, 160 ( Figure 2 The state shown in the diagram (currently in the closed position / configuration) is actuated to the open position / configuration (as shown in the diagram). Figure 8 As shown in the figure), the compression wire retainer 170 (as shown in the figure) Figure 8 (As shown in the diagram) to allow sufficient space in the gap (i.e., opening 240) of the wire holder 170 for the wire to travel to the lead (not shown). The wire is then inserted into the corresponding wire port 200, and levers 150, 160 are closed, depressurizing the wire holder 170 and reducing the gap in the wire holder 170 to hold the wire 140 in place.

[0081] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Side views of an exemplary electrical wiring device 100 are shown, with quick-install levers 150, 160 in a closed position / configuration. As illustrated, the electrical wiring device 100 has multiple power / load line, live / neutral line associated levers 150 and grounding levers 160, although any suitable number and combination of levers may be used. Levers 150, 160 are positioned on the side or surface of housing 180 in a location that can be concealed within a wall after installation. The electrical wiring device 100 may have a conventional power receiver 130 as shown, or may include other features / structures such as a USB port, switch, or other suitable receiver on cover 110 (as should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure). The electrical wiring device 100 may also have a conventional grounding strip 190 for easy retrofitting into existing equipment.

[0082] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A perspective view of the side of an exemplary electrical wiring device 100 is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B An exemplary electrical wiring device 100 has four levers 150 and one grounding lever 160, although other combinations and numbers of levers 150 and 160 are possible. Figure 4A As shown, one side of the housing 180 has two levers 150 and a grounding lever 160. The grounding lever 160 is shown in a direction orthogonal to the neutral lever 150, although other suitable orientations and arrangements of the levers 150 and 160 are possible. As... Figure 4BAs shown, the other side has two levers 150. As shown in the closed position, levers 150, 160 are flush with or nearly flush with the housing 180 for easy mounting into a wall box.

[0083] Brief Turn Figures 10A-10B and Figures 11A-11B Levers 150 and 160 have at least one protrusion 210 and a hinge 220. Levers 150 and 160 are configured to rotate about the hinge 220 to actuate the wire retainer 170 with the protrusion 210.

[0084] as Figure 9 As shown, the wire retainer 170 is made of a continuously bent member. In some embodiments, the wire retainer 170 is made of high-yield-strength spring steel, although any suitable elastic material may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire retainer 170 is circular in shape, with one end extending beyond the other end so that the two ends do not meet. One end of the wire retainer 170 has an opening 240, which is sized and shaped to allow the wire 140 to pass through the wire retainer 170. The opposite end of the wire retainer is sized and shaped to have a protrusion 230 for insertion into the end with the opening 240. In an intermediate position (as shown), the protrusion 230 rests in the opening 240 near the opposite end of the wire retainer 170, holding the wire 140 in place (not shown). When compressed by a lever, the end of the wire retainer 170 with the opening 240 translates away from the end with the protrusion 230, widening the gap for insertion of the wire 140, allowing the wire 140 to be freely inserted or removed.

[0085] Figure 5 A front cross-sectional view of the interior of an exemplary electrical wiring device 100 is shown. In this view, for clarity, the cover (top housing portion) 110 and the power receiver 130 are concealed. As shown, each lever 150, 160 corresponds to a wire holder 170. As shown, in the closed position, levers 150, 160 do not engage with the wire holder 170 in its intermediate position. The wire holder 170 is positioned within the housing, with its end having an opening 240 positioned above the wire port 200 at the bottom of each wire holder. In the intermediate position, the wire holder 170 holds the wire 140 in place on a terminal (not shown).

[0086] Figure 6A rear cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrical wiring device 100 is shown. In this view, the rear housing portion 180 is concealed for clarity. As shown, levers 150, 160 are in the closed position, and the wire retainer 170 is in the intermediate (unacted) position. The opening 240 of the wire retainer 170 is aligned with a terminal (not shown) of the electrical wiring device 100. The protruding end 230 of the wire retainer 170 is flush or nearly flush with the opposite end of the wire retainer 170, thereby generating tension to hold the wire 140 positioned therein (via spring bias) in place (when thus positioned therein). As shown, when in the closed position, the protrusion 210 on levers 150, 160 does not engage the wire retainer 170.

[0087] Figures 7A-7D A close-up rear view of lever 150 and wire retainer 170 is shown. As shown, lever 150 is in the closed position, and wire retainer 170 is in the intermediate position. In the closed position, protrusion 210 on the lever does not engage wire retainer 170. In the intermediate position, protrusion 230 on wire retainer 170 is biased toward the opposite end of wire retainer 170 and is flush with or nearly flush with the opposite end of wire retainer. When in the intermediate position, protrusion 230 holds wire 140 (when positioned therein) in position against the opposite end of wire retainer 170. Figure 7B It shows the relationship with Figure 7A The same view is shown, with the addition of wire 140 positioned between one end of wire retainer 170 and protrusion 230 in the closed position and configuration of lever 150. Figure 7C Showing with Figure 7A The same view, except that lever 150 is in the open position and protrusion 210 acts on wire retainer 170 to open the space between the end of wire retainer 170 and protrusion 230. Figure 7D and Figure 7C Same, except the cables have been removed. In other words, Figure 7A A closed position and configuration are depicted, in which no wire is positioned in the opening 240 (explained below), and in this closed position and configuration, the wire retainer 170 is biased to close the wire and the opening 240 is reduced; Figure 7B The closed position and configuration are depicted, in which the cable remains within the opening 240; Figure 7C The opening position and configuration are depicted, wherein the cable is positioned (and freely removable) within opening 240, and opening 240 is enlarged to receive the cable; and Figure 7D The opening position and configuration are depicted, in which no wires are positioned within the opening 240.

[0088] Figure 8A close-up side view of lever 160 in the open position and wire retainer 170 in the compressed position is shown. As shown, a protrusion 210 on lever 160 engages with wire retainer 170. When lever 160 is opened, protrusion 210 pushes the end of wire retainer 170 with opening 240 away from the end with protrusion 230 (to the right, in the opposite direction of spring bias). This increases the size of opening 240 in wire retainer 170 to allow wire to pass through opening 240 for installation or removal.

[0089] As an explanation, when observing Figure 9 The wire retainer 170 further includes an inner cavity 135 and an opening 240. The wire retainer 170 in... Figure 9 It is shown in the middle position, and in Figure 8 The image shows the compressed position. When moving from the compressed position to the intermediate position (…),… Figure 9 When the wire retainer 170 is biased in the middle position as shown in the figure, the cavity 135 is enlarged and the opening 240 is reduced (i.e., the protrusion 230 moves from left to right (see reference)). Figure 9 (The direction and orientation within), thus creating a larger internal cavity and a smaller opening. When moving from the middle position to the compression position ( Figure 8 When the compression position is shown in the figure, the inner cavity 135 is reduced and the opening 240 is enlarged (i.e., the protrusion 230 moves from right to left (see reference)). Figure 9 (The direction and orientation of the opening 240) creates a smaller inner cavity and a larger opening. The enlargement of the opening 240 allows the wire to be inserted into it, and once the wire holder returns to the middle position, the opening 240 shrinks and compresses and holds the wire inside.

[0090] By utilizing quick-installation levers 150 and 160, cable 140 can be installed quickly, safely, and easily, or replaced with electrical wiring device 100, without the use of tools.

[0091] Figures 9-11B Various views of the wire retainer 170 and levers 150 and 160 are depicted.

[0092] Figures 12A-18D Various latching mechanisms are involved. Each of the following alternative embodiments may replace one or more latching mechanisms described above (as should be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure). In a preferred embodiment, the embodiments described below are configured to replace grounding lever 160.

[0093] refer to Figures 12A-12CIn this embodiment, a cam latch with a curved portion is shown. This embodiment advantageously has one or more cams 162, which can be in a closed position (as in...). Figure 12B (As shown on the left) it bends the line to increase the holding force. It can also provide tactile feedback to the user so they know when the latch is in the closed position.

[0094] refer to Figures 13A-13C Another embodiment is shown, in which the cam 164 has a spring arm 164'. This advantageously provides a robust, flat connection with a large contact surface. It can be additionally adapted to any wire size. Similar to the above, this embodiment can provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0095] refer to Figures 14A-14D This illustrates another alternative embodiment with spring and wire engagement capability. This embodiment allows for flexibility because it can be adapted to accept wires of different sizes. The user can insert the wire in the open position (see...). Figure 14B ), and once actuated to the closed position, the cam lever 166 inhibits the spring 166' and secures the wire therein (see Figures 14C-14D This design can advantageously reduce the risk of unwanted cable release. Similar to the above, this embodiment can provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0096] refer to Figures 15A-15D An embodiment featuring a knob with a preloaded spring is shown. This embodiment allows for flexibility and can be adapted to accept various sizes of wire. Once the wire is inserted, the knob 168 can be rotated to secure the cam lever 172 into the notch of the wire, thereby reducing the risk of unwanted release. Similar to the above, this embodiment can provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0097] refer to Figures 16A-16D An embodiment of a conductive spring with a cam actuation is shown. This embodiment also allows for flexibility and can be adapted to accept wires of various sizes. Once the wire is in the open position ( Figure 16B When inserted, the cam lever 174 can be actuated to the closed position, compressing the spring 174' against the wire, as... Figures 16C-16D As shown. This can reduce the risk of unwanted release. Similar to the above, this embodiment can provide haptic feedback to the user.

[0098] refer to Figures 17A-17D An embodiment with a paddle-shaped element for instantaneous pressing is shown. This embodiment also allows for flexibility and can be adapted to accept various sizes of wire. The paddle-shaped element 176 can compress the spring 176' to compress the wire, thereby reducing the risk of unwanted release. Similar to the above, this embodiment can provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0099] refer to Figures 18A-18D An embodiment characterized by instantaneous lever pressing is shown. This embodiment can similarly allow for flexibility and can be adapted to accept wires of various sizes. One or more levers 178 may have tails that compress internal springs 178', which, when moved to the closed position (see...), Figure 18C The wires are compressed during this process. This can advantageously reduce the risk of unwanted release. Similar to the above, this embodiment can provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0100] refer to Figures 19A-19C An alternative embodiment of the neutral lever 150' is shown. This embodiment functions similarly to the neutral lever described above, but is characterized by having a wing at its distal end. The wing helps the user engage the lever 150' more easily and reduces the pressure they feel when opening the lever 150'.

[0101] refer to Figures 20A-21B Alternative embodiments of the wire retainers 170' and 170" are shown (in the intermediate / original and unactuated positions, respectively). These embodiments function similarly to the wire retainers described above, except that... Figures 20A-20B In the illustrated embodiment, opening 240' has a set of teeth to provide additional contact on the wire. Figures 21A-21B In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 240” has a V-shape, which also provides contact on the wire.

[0102] While numerous embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing functions and / or obtaining results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each of these variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of the invention described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application using the teachings of this invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein using only conventional experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that embodiments of the invention can be practiced in ways different from the specific descriptions and claims within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. All embodiments and elements thereof are intended to be combined in any possible mechanical manner.

[0103] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that each reference is individually and specifically indicated by reference and incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0104] All definitions used in this document should be understood as control dictionary definitions, definitions cited in incorporated literature, and / or the general meaning of the defined terms.

[0105] In the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the appended claims), the terms “a” and “an” and “the”, and similar pronouns, should be interpreted to cover both the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”). The term “connected” should be interpreted as partially or wholly contained in, attached to, or joined together, even if something is inserted.

[0106] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase “at least one” in relation to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase “at least one,” regardless of their relation to those specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or equivalently, “at least one of A and / or B”) in one embodiment may refer to at least one, optionally including more than one A, with no B (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, it refers to at least one, optionally including more than one B, with no A (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, it refers to at least one, optionally including more than one A, and at least one, optionally including more than one B (and optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0107] It should also be understood that, unless the contrary is explicitly stated, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which those steps or actions are stated.

[0108] The approximate language used herein throughout the specification and claims may be used to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without altering its underlying function. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms (such as “approximately” and “substantially”) is not limited to a specified precise value. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims; such scopes are defined and include all subscopes contained herein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

[0109] Unless otherwise stated herein, the descriptions of numerical ranges herein are intended only as a shorthand for referring to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were described separately herein.

[0110] Unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "for example") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0111] Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is necessary for the practice of the invention.

[0112] In the claims and the foregoing description, all transitional phrases, such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "consisting of," etc., should be understood as open-ended, meaning including but not limited to. As described in Section 2111.03 of the U.S. Patent Examination Procedure Manual, only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "substantially consisting of" should be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0113] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. This invention is not intended to be limited to the one or more specific forms disclosed; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, this invention is intended to cover modifications and variations of the invention falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrical wiring device, comprising: A housing formed of a front portion having a front surface and a rear portion having a rear surface, the housing further comprising at least two opposing side surfaces and an internal compartment, each of the side surfaces being positioned between the front surface and the rear surface; An actuator, which is positioned on one of the surfaces and is movable between an open position and a closed position and configuration; When the actuator is in the open position and configuration, the wire can be electrically connected to the electrical wiring device and can be removed from the electrical wiring device; Wherein, when the actuator is in the closed position and configuration, the wire is locked in a position and configuration electrically connected to the electrical wiring device, or is prevented from being electrically connected to the electrical wiring device; and A spring disposed within the internal compartment and defining an inner cavity and an opening, wherein the spring is actuated via the actuator; When the actuator moves from the open position and configuration to the closed position and configuration, the spring moves from the compressed position to the intermediate position. In the compressed position, the inner cavity is reduced and the opening is expanded. In the intermediate position, the inner cavity is expanded and the opening is reduced. The spring is biased to the intermediate position.

2. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes a lever hingedly connected to the housing and configured to rotate on the hinge from the closed position and configuration to the open position and configuration.

3. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, The opening is sized to receive and selectively retain the wire therein.

4. The electrical wiring device according to claim 3, wherein, In the intermediate position, the spring is configured to hold the wire in place.

5. The electrical wiring device according to claim 3, wherein, In the open position, the spring is sized and shaped to allow the wire to pass through it.

6. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, The lever mentioned is a grounding lever.

7. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, The lever mentioned is a neutral lever.

8. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, The lever includes a hinge and a first protrusion.

9. The electrical wiring device according to claim 8, wherein, The first protrusion is sized and shaped to engage the spring.

10. The electrical wiring apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The spring includes a continuously bending member, the member including an opening at one end and a second protrusion at the opposite end; and The second protrusion is sized and shaped to fit within the opening.

11. The electrical wiring apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The end of the spring with the opening is configured to translate through the opposite end with the second protrusion.

12. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, The spring comprises high yield strength spring steel.

13. The electrical wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, In the closed position, the surface of the lever is substantially flush with the housing.

14. A method of using the electrical wiring apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Move the actuator from the off position and configuration to the on position and configuration; Insert the wire through the space defined by the opening; and The actuator is moved from the open position and configuration to the closed position and configuration, wherein the biasing force of the spring causes the spring to move to the intermediate position and compress the wire therein.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The actuator includes a lever hinged to the housing and configured to rotate on the hinge from the closed position and configuration to the open position and configuration.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, In the intermediate position, the spring is configured to hold the wire in place.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The lever includes a hinge and a first protrusion.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first protrusion is sized and shaped to engage the spring.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The spring includes a continuously bending member, the member comprising an opening at one end and a second protrusion at the opposite end; and The second protrusion is sized and shaped to fit within the opening.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein, In the closed position, the surface of the lever is substantially flush with the housing.

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